PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science

Transcription

1 PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science Clare Dixon Dept. of Computer Science, University of Liverpool, UK PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 1 / 29

2 Welcome Welcome to the Department of Computer Science. The Department is part of the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science (with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics). We are part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. My name is Clare Dixon. I am the Department s Director of Postgraduate Research. Much of the information provided today is on the Department s web site in particular that providing information for PhD students intranet.csc.liv.ac.uk/research/pgr/ The best way to contact me is by (cldixon@liv.ac.uk). PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 2 / 29

3 Key People Your supervisors (first and second). Two advisors (to assess your progress/offer additional support). Departmental Director of Postgraduate Research - Clare Dixon Administrative support - Hannah Fosh Technical Support - Departmental Technical Support Team. PhD Representatives who sit on the Student Liaison Committee- Tom Gorry (fourth year) Agneau Belanyek (third year), Alkmini Sgouritsa (third year), and David Hamilton (second year). PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 3 / 29

4 Research Degrees Research on some topic for 3-4 years leading to a thesis. The first 3 years is for the bulk or the research with an additional year allowed for writing up. You must submit your thesis 4 years after you started. Students often write papers relating to their research during their PhD and present these at conferences. This is strongly encouraged and provides external feedback on the work. If you are ill for an extended time, or take time to do a work placement you should request a suspension (talk to your supervisors about this). Note this may have visa implications for international students. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 4 / 29

5 What is research? The Frascati definition of research from the relevant Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) manual. Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) definition. For the purposes of REF, research is defined as a process of investigation leading to new insights, effectively shared. [From the PGR Code of Practice.] PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 5 / 29

6 The Requirements of a Research Degree Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated: the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication; a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice; the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems; a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 6 / 29

7 The Requirements of a Research Degree Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; and will have: the qualities & transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments. From QAA Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 7 / 29

8 What is involved in a PhD at Liverpool? Research on some topic for (usually) 3-4 years leading to a thesis. This is defended during a viva with both an internal and external examiner. The University also requires that you satisfy certain training requirements eg relating to development of skills, communicating science, careers etc. Recording of your research meetings on the University systems. More details of all these issues are available via the Departmental web pages. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 8 / 29

9 Requirements of a PhD at the University of Liverpool The degree of PhD will be conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality, as adjudged by peers, to extend the forefront of the discipline, by submitting for assessment a substantial body of original work, in the form of one of the following: 1 A thesis of no more than 100,000 words containing the results of the candidate s original research, which may contain published papers integrated into the thesis in a coherent and structured manner; 2 A substantial collection of original, creative material developed specifically in pursuit of the degree, together with a written thesis of no more than 50,000 words which contextualises that work within an academic framework. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science 9 / 29

10 Training Split into University, School and Departmental training. See the PhD web page (intranet.csc.liv.ac.uk/research/pgr/) There have been problems registering for the University credits. If you find this is the case please contact Hannah. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science10 / 29

11 Annual Progression (University Training) Record of Supervisory Meetings You must keep a record of at least 12 formal meetings you have had with your supervisors. This includes agreed targets etc. You must enter these via the Liverpool PGR Toolbox (see PhD web pages) There are guidelines on the Graduate School web page. This is carried out each year (June to May) and you must have at least 12 per year, one per month (pro-rata in year one). This is a University requirement. PGR Portfolio of activity To record all additional training, research development and achievements and other personal or professional activities, along with research skills gained by this progress. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science11 / 29

12 Record of Supervisory Meetings (cont) The formal recording of 12 supervisory meetings per year, one per month is required. This is a University wide requirement. The University view this as a professional requirement and part of good practice. It is used to show engagement with your PhD. It is used to provide a formal record of meetings (showing they have happened and can be used in appeals). It is part of the formal University regulations a bit like exams on the taught programmes. It is used to satisfy Borders Agency requirements in relation to visas. Other Universities do something similar. Hannah will try and remind you if you fall behind. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science12 / 29

13 Year 1 Training University School Completion of annual progression requirements including record of supervisory meetings First Year Development Training Workshop (There is a School one on 12-14th November 2014). Complete a SPIDER Progress Report-APR (June) Project Plan (Jan) First Year Progress Report (May) Progress Interview and Presentation (June) Doctoral Training Seminars (ongoing) Department Attend Postgraduate Workshop (April/May) PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science13 / 29

14 Year 2 Training University School Completion of annual progression requirements including record of supervisory meetings Careers Skills Development Options University Poster Day Complete a SPIDER Progress Report-APR (June) Second Year progress Report (May) Progress Interview (June) Department Present your work at the Postgraduate Workshop (April/May) PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science14 / 29

15 Year 3 Training University School Completion of annual progression requirements including record of supervisory meetings Careers Skills Development Options (if not completed in year two) Complete a SPIDER Progress Report-APR (June) Third Year progress Report (May) Progress Interview (June) Department Technical Presentation PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science15 / 29

16 Other Training Subject related modules: it might be useful to attend some of the Department s year three or MSc modules (see the Departmental web site). This should be discussed with your supervisors. Skills workshops: the Graduate School provides optional skills workshops eg relating report writing, giving technical presentations etc. The Centre for Life Long Learning may also run events of interest. The English Language Unit offers writing courses for international students. There are links from the PhD web site. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science16 / 29

17 Formal Progress Monitoring Annually your progress on the PhD is monitored as follows. Complete the required training (Departmental, School, and University) for your year. Complete the Annual Progression Requirements (Record of Meetings and PGR Portfolio of activity). Complete an electronic SPIDER Progress Report-APR (June). This is a summary of your progress over the year, completed by you, your primary supervisor, the DDPR and the Graduate School. Complete a progress report and interview (in May/June for those staring in Sept/Oct). This is assessed by your two advisors and considered by the PhD Progress Committee. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science17 / 29

18 Formal Progress Monitoring (Cont.) You will receive written feedback from your advisors in relation to the progress report/interview. If there are concerns raised with respect to your progress you will be given some time to recover (eg repeat the End of Year Progress Report/Interview, write a technical document, etc). Continuing unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of your studies or being asked to complete an MPhil rather than PhD. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science18 / 29

19 Research Environment: Seminars The Department runs a seminar series on Tuesdays You are strongly encouraged to attend these to further your knowledge of Computer Science research. This is a great opportunity to learn about current research in Computer Science from experts in the area as well as a chance to practice listening and understanding skills and observe presentation techniques. Details about the talks are available on the Departmental web site. You can suggest (UK-based, or close to UK) speakers via your supervisor. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science19 / 29

20 Research Environment: Research Groups The Department is split into four research groups: Logic and Computation, Agents, Algorithmics, Economics and Computation. Most research students are associated with one of these and are usually located in a room with other research students from the same group. It is useful to find out what research other group members are doing and talk to them as it may help with your own research. Most research groups also run group seminars. Talk to your supervisor to find out about these. There may be opportunities to give a seminar to your research group. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science20 / 29

21 Technical Support: The Help Desk The Computer Science Department runs a Help Desk facility - a single point of contact for all queries relating to the Departmental computing facilities (both hardware and software), and available to both students and staff. This is different from the Computing Services Help Desk, which is NOT located in our building, which is the single point of contact for all your queries about the University computer system. The Help Desk is located on the 2nd floor of the George Holt building, near to the blast door between the George Holt and the Ashton buildings. Help Desk operates and 2 4 Monday Friday (closed Wednesday afternoon) during normal term times. It does not run at weekends or out of term. More info: PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science21 / 29

22 Administrative Support Hannah Fosh desk on ground floor Ashton Building and also EEE) is School Administrator for Postgraduate Research Students. Hannah can help with problems relating to registration, registering for training modules, etc Helen Bradley: Departmental Administrator (ground floor Ashton Building) can also help with any Departmental or day to day issues. There should be a shared key number 62 in your office that opens the labs, meeting rooms and resource room. Helen also has one in her office you can borrow for short periods. The resource room (next to Helen s office) contains a photocopier, fax machine, stationary, paper for printers etc. Your need your CSD login to operate the photocopier. Please sign in the book if you take any stationary or paper. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science22 / 29

23 Studentships/Finance If you have a DTG/University/School/Departmental Studentship please check how long this is for so there are no surprises. If you have any queries in relation to this please contact School Finance officer Angela Winker (eeecsfin@liverpool.ac.uk). Elaine Smith is the Departmental finance administrator (ground floor Ashton Building). Additionally Debbie Henderson (dhenders@liverpool.ac.uk) deals with EPSRC funding. Bookings for any any travel that is being funded via the Department or School or via Research Support Fees should be booked through the finance team (eeecsfin@liverpool.ac.uk). PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science23 / 29

24 Who to ask for Advice/How to give Feedback Your supervisors are the first place to ask for help and advice. You could also discuss issues with your advisors. For administrative issues please contact Hannah, finance issues Elaine, technical support the CS Help Desk. Any other issues you could ask me. If you have any constructive criticism about your experience as a PhD student we would be happy to hear. This can be fed back directly to Hannah or I, or via the PhD student reps (Tom Gorry, Agneau Belanyek, Alkmini Sgouritsa, and David Hamilton) who attend the Postgraduate Staff Student Liaison Committee. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science24 / 29

25 Demonstrating PhD students in the Department of Computer Science are encouraged to assist with Departmental teaching of small groups. This is often running laboratories or example classes. This is paid. You complete a University run course Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Demonstrator Workshops Please contact Michele Zito (michele@liverpool.ac.uk) for more details. Some labs use attendance scanners. Please ask the lecturer in charge of the module if this is needed. These can be obtained from a box in the counter in the student office (ground floor Ashton Building). PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science25 / 29

26 Tea Room/Tea Club You are welcome to use the tea room (ground floor Ashton Building) to have lunch/tea/coffee etc. Please help keep this clean and tidy and wash up the crockery that you use. The tea/coffee/milk in the tea room needs to be paid for. The Department runs a tea and coffee club (see Dave Shield D.T.Shield@liverpool.ac.uk) which purchases the tea and coffee in the tea room. If you wish to join please contact Dave. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science26 / 29

27 Safety and Security The fire alarm is tested once a week. If you hear a continuous fire alarm should should leave the building as soon as possible. We have regular fire drills. An intermittent alarm indicates that the full alarm is going off in the adjacent building. You don t need to evacuate the building but shouldn t enter the adjacent building. The out of hours book located on the Building Manager s desk in the Ashton building. If you re in the building out of normal working hours please remember that it s important to put your name, location and time in and out in the book. In the event of an accident or emergency Security will need to know who s around. There should also be a similar book in the Holt building. Any questions please contact Phil Jimmieson (phil@liverpool.ac.uk). PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science27 / 29

28 Health and Safety Helen Bradley and/or Andrew Craig is the Departmental first aider. Please contact them if you need any first aid. Accidents that happen in the Department should be reported. If you need to contact security their number is 2222 (from any internal phone). You should have a safe working environment, i.e. your chair, table, etc should suitable. Please let Phil know if there are any issues or it you need items such as a wrist support. The University has a Disability Support Team Please contact them if you need support. Sleeping in the office overnight is not allowed. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science28 / 29

29 Final Words We hope you will have a happy and productive time as a PhD student in Liverpool. Research is the key thing. Remember you must also complete the required training, record of meetings etc. Make use of the opportunities that are available. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with. PhD Induction Event: Department of Computer Science29 / 29